England Test skipper Ben Stokes paid his heartfelt tribute to Virat Kohli, who announced his retirement from the traditional format last week.

Kohli’s decision to quit Test cricket came ahead of the England tour, and Stokes believes the Indian team will miss star batter’s fighting spirit and fierce competitiveness.

Stokes also opened up on the text message he sent to the Indian talisman after his unexpected call to step away from Tests.

Kohli was expected to travel to England for the upcoming five-Test series that will mark the beginning of India’s new WTC cycle. It was also reported that the board is in talks with the stalwart to make him change his mind, but the outcome was unsuccessful.

On May 12, Virat Kohli took to social media and stated that the decision to give up the format he loved most was "not easy, but it feels right".

"What India will miss is his fighting spirit on the field, his competitiveness, his desire to win. He's made No. 18 his own - we might never see it on the back of another Indian shirt. He's been pure class for such a long time. I texted him saying it's going to be a shame not playing against him this time. I love playing against Virat. We've always relished the contest because we share the same mindset on the field - it's a battle," Stokes said in a video for the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Stokes added that Kohli deserves every bit of praise for his contributions to the sport, hailing him as a "different beast" in white-ball cricket. He was also appreciative of Kohli's elegant cover drive.

"He's been incredible. He deserves all the accolades. No doubt, there's been plenty of praise for him in India and here as well. He's done well in England too.

"In white-ball formats, he's been outstanding. One thing I'll always remember about Virat is how hard he hits the ball through the covers - that cover drive will live long in the memory," Stokes remarked.

Virat Kohli finished his Test career with 9230 runs at an average of 46.85 from 123 matches, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with the highest score of 254. He led India in 68 Test matches, registering 40 wins, 17 defeats and 11 draws. The win percentage of 58.82 makes him the most successful Test captain in India's history.

Having retired from T20Is last year, the 36-year-old will now focus solely on the One-Day International format.